Fisheries Biologist (Plankton Unit)
Location: US, MS, Pascagoula
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Entry level
Industry: Fishery
Function: Science

Company profile:
Riverside is an internationally recognized engineering, science, and information technology company with more than 25 years experience providing innovative information technology solutions for environmental decision support systems, using a variety of different environmental data sources, from satellite sensors and imagery to stream gauges in local rivers.RIVERSIDE QUICK FACTSFounded in 1985Corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, ColoradoCompleted over 1,200 projects in more than 30 countriesNCBR Mercury 100 List for “Fastest Growing Companies Over $2 Million”SBA “Small Business of the Year Award” recipientNCBR 2011 “Environmental Entrepreneur Award” recipientRiverside has successfully implemented more than 1,200 projects in over 30 countries, and maintains a strong worldwide customer base, including U.S. government agencies such as USAID and USTDA, and international donor organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and FAO.Since 1985, Riverside has built relationships and partnerships with a variety of clients including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) — providing products, services, and solutions meeting their long-term needs.

Job description:
Company OverviewRiverside Technology, inc. (Riverside), a leading international engineering and consulting firm providing scientific analysis &amp; applications development, systems engineering, hydrologic forecasting system development and GIS services to Federal agencies, international clients and state governments, has an immediate opportunity for a Fisheries Biologist supporting the Plankton unit located onsite at the NOAA Fisheries Lab in Pascagoula, MS.The PositionThe selected candidate will work within the Mississippi Laboratories Resource Survey Branch in support of the Plankton Unit.  This position will be required to support plankton survey activities on NOAA Ships and/or small boats, perform laboratories duties such as plankton sample sorting, specimen identifications, morphological descriptions of early life stages of marine plankton, digital scanning of samples, software assisted specimen identifications, diet and otolith examinations, data analyses, and report writing and scientific manuscript preparation. Job duties include:Participate in resource surveys and function as a Watch Stander or Watch Leader for large vessel plankton surveysAnalyze NRDA plankton samples following NRDA Plankton Processing Plan protocols by performing displacement volume measurements, manual sorting and identification of the early life stages of marine fish eggs and larvae using a microscope; and enumeration and measurement of the sorted and identified specimens; producing digital records (scans) of plankton samples using the plankton sample scannerNRDA data entry and verificationConduct preliminary data summaries; assist in constructing spatial distribution maps of plankton abundance; assist in development of data reports and presentationsAssist with various surveys by loading and unloading vessels and/or aircraft, and gathering required equipment and data, and troubleshoot and maintain sampling gearSupport marine mammal and sea turtle strandings activities, as requiredParticipate in public outreach efforts

Requirements:
Required:BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study and one (1) year of relevant experience or High School plus two (2) years of relevant experienceKnowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of marine plankton research or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniquesProficient in the identification of the early life stages of marine fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent seasComputer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programsCapable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentationsSea going employees who participate on research cruises on NOAA ships will be required to have OMAO approvalPreferred:Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate and protected species identification books and keys.Experience as lead data collector for field projects. Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species.

Benefits:
Location: NOAA Fisheries Lab in Pascagoula, MS and aboard NOAA Ships for survey duties Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering very competitive compensation and exceptional employee benefits.